I don't like compliments. No. I prefer criticisms; prefer to prove them wrong

When it's over I just want to be able to look in the mirror and say, 'Well, you were a half-decent player.'

Yes I am finally hanging up my boots for good.

Nobody has ever had to go off following one of my tackles and nobody has broken their leg.

I am not a man of many words, but I can honestly say playing football is all I have ever wanted to do.

There have been so many outstanding players I've had as team-mates, but if I had to choose I'd choose Giggsy, he can do anything.

I think about the great players with whom I have shared a pitch: Eric Cantona, Zinedine Zidane, Pirlo, Xavi, Cristiano Ronaldo - and the greatest of them all is Messi.